Tools & Resources

Men: Do You Need a Health Tune-Up?

Guys are notorious for skimping on self-care. But "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" doesn't work when it comes to your health. Here's what to do instead.

WebMD Archive

Men and Weight Control continued...

Along with paying attention to what -- and how much -- you eat, Fields says it is essential to rethink what you drink. "Juices, for example, are really high in calories, as are sodas and alcohol. So I start with figuring out what [men] drink."

With alcohol, of course, you're watching more than just calories. Too much alcohol is bad for your liver as well as your waist. Villacorta says that for health reasons, men should not drink more than two servings a day. A serving means one beer, one 4-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. When it comes to weight loss, even less is ideal.

"My recommendation for men trying to lose weight is to keep it to seven servings per week," he says. Keep in mind that restaurants pour about six ounces of wine per glass, and cocktails usually consist of two or more shots, so you're looking at about four drinks per week if you are going out.

Men and Depression

There are at least 6 million depressed men in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The real number is a lot higher. Why? A lot of diagnoses are likely missed because men don't want to discuss their feelings or they are afraid that being diagnosed with depression will mean they're less manly.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Depression is as much about brain chemistry and genetics as it is about how you respond to the death of a loved one or financial disaster, for example.

Whatever the cause, the cost of not talking about what you're going through is high: Men often choose alcohol and drugs over asking for help, and men account for 80% of suicides in the U.S. each year.

As devastating as depression can be to your mental well-being, it can take a huge toll on your body as well. "Depression has been associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and erectile dysfunction," says Nehra. Don't try to tough it out. If you've been feeling down for more than a couple of weeks, see a doctor.